Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

Perhaps I can provide Senator Cash with some information that she is seeking. I can say that the government is sending a clear message to the people smugglers that asylum seekers should not bother coming to Australia by boat, because they will not be processed here. The transfer arrangement means that the people-smuggling business model will be completely undermined and it will deter those who are trying to make the dangerous journey to Australia by boat. The discussions with Malaysia, I am advised, are well advanced and are in the process of being finalised.

Senator Cash interjecting—

Senator Cash asks about the role of the UNHCR. I indicate to Senator Cash that, once in Malaysia, transferees will go into the mix for processing, alongside more than 90,000 UNHCR registered asylum seekers or refugees already in Malaysia. The UNHCR will be involved in a range—